Hi, my names Millie I’m 14 and I enjoy designing and drawing and do a lot of art in my spare time. I also do cheer leading which I attend every week. I enjoy coming up with new creative ideas to show my family! I take Art, DT, Sociology and History at School.

When I had my first tour about 6 months ago I was very nervous as I haven’t been to a place like this before! I was a bit scared to come at first as I didn’t know my way round the building, but I easily managed to fit in and all the workers are lovely.

Many of us dream of living by the ocean, and if you haven’t, you will now. Even a quick flick through Relaxed Coastal Style by Stylist Sally Denning has us lusting after driftwood accessories, flowing linen curtains framing a sea view and worn wooden panelled shacks. After delving deeper into the beautiful homes that Sally explores in her book, it has us positively besotted with beachside living.

‘Country coastal’ is an interior style close to our hearts with the stretched out, pretty beaches of the Suffolk and Norfolk coasts a stones throw away. We love the laid back feel of the coastal homes that Sally explores, with the owners using locally sourced materials and beach-combed finds to kit out their rooms. These elements bring in on-trend style and an appreciative nod to the landscape around them…

A key motif throughout the book is the use of wood. Wooden beams, wooden panelling, rattan furniture, woven baskets and driftwood accessorised into homeware. Think brightly coloured beach huts to washed out window shutters. Even if you don’t live in an authentic wooden panelled house, there are many ways you can incorporate this look into your interior décor, such as faux-wood wallpaper, cleverly painted cupboard doors and preloved furniture. You can boost your external and internal vintage look by adding antiqued brass lighting and accessories like this modern rustic Isle of Sheppey beach hut.

Beige, stone and sandy tones come naturally to coastal homes. You might as well incorporate it into the design! There is so much fabric inspiration here, even where you least expect it. Linen curtains and upholstered chairs, textured rope and cream crochet. Even netting. These textures add layers and depth by taking inspiration from the external surroundings – a key step in coastal style. Why not try our range of soft linens as shades or cushions to bring in some texture rich natural tones?

A coastal existence isn’t all sunshine and ice cream. Weather-beaten porch railings, rain and rust-stained tin rooves or fading paint and aged metal furniture make up a great deal of this book. Their existence is proof of their steadfast manufacturing, but evidence that living by the ocean can be tough and wearing. This is what we love about this book – the honesty. Sure, your interior can be as glamourous as you like, but it takes a certain kind of person to embrace an old property and make it their own in often remote and exposed locations. It requires great deal of hard work, but the character of such a place is an ongoing enjoyment for those who live there. To complete the look, add in other worn materials such as our Antiqued Brass or Polished light and handle fittings – a go to match for this faded look.

We’ve cheated a bit here, because this is Sally’s own home (not featured in the book) which is too delicious to leave out. Decorating with the display items in a home can make or break a room. As is evident throughout the homes here, balance is the key. The Instagram hashtag #aquietstyle sums up the softness needed to pull off this look. It is immaculately considered, but executed in an understated manner. It is, in short, relaxed. Or rather it makes you feel relaxed. Using ancient bottles, hand-picked shells and wave-worn washed up glass might sound like clutter to some, but it’s these cherished finds that bring in personality and make a house into a home. For a shell you haven’t had to wash the salt out of, try our beautiful Scallop Wall Lights to bring a soft coastal vibe into your interior.

Want to see more? Of course you do. You can order Relaxed Coastal Style, published by Ryland, Peters & Small, throughWaterstonesor Amazon. For a wealth of interior and exterior inspiration follow Sally’s Instagram @Blackshorestyle. See more by the talented photographerBenjamin Edwards. A special thank you to Sally for featuring our lighting and for supplying the images. Follow ourRelaxed Coastal Style Pinterest board for more laid back décor ideas.

Belonging to Suffolk’s prestigious groupStuart Inns, The Old Crown Girtonis their first pub located away from the county. Situated in nearby Cambridge, this beautifully styled bar and restaurant stays in keeping with their well-known sophisticated design. With a little more quirk and a little more colour, we knew we had to explore this venue which features many of our lights.

Country homes by their nature are often rather unique and need a thoughtful approach to lighting in order to match their individual character. That’s just how we like them.

What do you do when there’s no space for that statement pendant, or when you can’t find a light slim enough for that awkward alcove? Read on to find out in our helpful guide to lighting older homes.

Some older country homes can feel quite gloomy if your ceilings are low and your windows small. If you have beams too, this trio of features can contribute to a darker room. Whilst a dimmed space is cosy and snug in the winter, sometimes you want to bring in the sunshine! Here are some tips for when a candle just won’t do.

The key is to find a healthy balance. You don’t want to ‘over light’ an area and make it feel artificial. Where it might be difficult to install overhead lighting,wall lights are a fool proof go-to. Otherwise, a mixture oftableand floor lampswith dimmersare ideal for altering the atmosphere according to the setting, for example in a living or dining room. We suggest pendantsin these spaces too, to bring another layer of light when necessary, and for adding a main point of interest to your home décor.

In bedrooms, to retain the warm atmosphere try using low level outlets such as picture lights like ourAbercombie, reading lamps or wall sconces for a softer look.

Spotlights are ideal for boosting the darker corners of a room. Tracked Spotlightsin a suitable ‘older’ finish for your home and work especially well in areas where extra direct light is needed – particularly in kitchens, for example.

With Spring in full swing and Summer on the doorstep, we wanted to celebrate with a competition! We receive so many beautiful shots of our customers homes, and wanted to give one of you the opportunity to dress yours up with something new…

For when your Dad’s side of the home needs a luxurious update. Gifts aren’t the only way to show you care, but a thought through present can really warm the heart and make someone feel special. We’ve curated a collection of homeware and gifts that are sure to make your old man smile this Father’s Day.

A hand cast, solid brass desk lamp with classic styling. Whether used for reading his favourite book or lighting up a desk space in a workshop, the Peterhouse Desk Lamp adds old timely style to an office or bedroom. Not quite your style? We cater to many preferences with spun shades, glass detailing and even clamped bases. Light up his Father’s Day with a practical but beautiful addition to your home.

We don’t know a Dad who doesn’t like a barbecue. Thesehand forged fire tongs, supplied in our hardwearing matt black finish, are perfect for stoking fires, coal, and even look great when not in use and on display.

Men’s grooming has taken a sophisticated turn in recent years, with quality beard oils and shaving accessories taking the forefront once more. Leather washbags and wooden shaving brushes are returning to the everyday bathroom cabinet and with this in mind, the man in your life needs ashaving socketto match. We offer a range of finishes to suit your bathroom and taste, so choose this hand forged plate and ensure that every part of the morning routine is up to scratch!

For the modern country gentleman! Cushions and curtains that everyone can enjoy.Tweed is a perfect match for your brass accessories, and exactly what you need when you want the home to look as smart as you. The predominantly soft green colourway of our new Talisker Lovat Woolevokes a feeling of beautiful Scottish skies, rivers and lochs – a perfect companion for a bottle of Talisker Whisky!

A must have garden accessory and perfect gift for your Dad’s, Grandad’s and Father figures alike. Our hand cast iron fire bowl creates a stylish focal point for outdoor entertaining, as well as a great source of warmth and light on chilly evenings. Something to make memories by.

To view all of our top Father’s Day picks, find them in our Gift Sectionon our website. For more inspiration, home décor ideas and lighting solutions, follow us onTwitter, Facebookand Instagram.

Statement lighting is not a new notion, but lighting brands are taking the desire for unique lighting to new heights. With this in mind, we wanted to stay in keeping with our most popular designs whilst bringing our customers something brand new and beautiful. Our hallway pendants are high quality, show stopping lights that are made to wow you and your guests when you enter the room.

These striking, extra large pendant lights with their individually handmade spherical glass have good looks that may be familiar to you – they are the larger siblings to our eye-catchingFulbourn,Holbornand Avarange.

The fluted, tapered glass of our beautifulAva Pendant Lightshines sevenfold on this inspired light, which hangs from a single large ceiling fixture in antiqued brass. This individually hand made, seven light multi-pendant will look magnificent hanging down a stairwell in a grand hallway or landing.

Both made from natural brass, these new globe pendants are treated with a lightly antiqued finish and will add character as well as quality for those looking to make an impact with their lighting. Decide on a flutedGreenwichor plain hand crafted glass with theRichmond for whichever best compliments your interior. Which one will you choose?

To get inspired with lighting ideas for your home visit our exciting new pop-up store which will be appearing throughout the UK this summer at some of our favourite country events.

Badminton Horse Trials: 2nd-6th MayStand 259 Beaufort Way (just opposite the members enclosure)
This spring we are delighted to be opening our new look pop-up store for the first time at Badminton Horse Trials. Internationally renowned as one of the world’s leading 3-day events it’s one of our absolute favourite shows. This stunning country event is jam packed with lovely shopping opportunities so it’s a great chance to don your wellies, grab the dog and come for a real country inspired shopping trip and day out. To find out more about the weekend visit www.badminton-horse.co.uk.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show: 22nd-26th May254 Pavilion Way
An event like no other, RHS Chelsea Flower Show is always the most colourful week in London. From show stopping garden designs, to delicious shopping for the home and garden, it’s the perfect place to get inspired this spring. We have been lucky enough to be awarded a 5 star gold award for our trade stand design for the last three years, and are keeping everything crossed the sun shines on our exciting new pop-up shop when the judges come round at Chelsea. To find out more about ticket information for this event and how you can see our new store in the heart of London this spring visithttps://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show

Hold the date !
We are also appearing at the following shows this autumn, details to follow shortly …
Burghley Horse Trials: 29th August- 2nd September
Goodwood Revival : 7-9th September

If you don’t manage to catch us at the shows don’t forget our beautiful Suffolk showroom and workshop, featuring over 5000 designs from our range, is open 6 days a week.

We came across the luxurious and refined Lympstone Manor Hotel through Meraki Design Studio, who have featured our lights throughout this beautiful contemporary country house hotel. Chef and hotel Patron Michael Caines holds two Michelin stars, and was keen for guests and diners at the Lympstone to experience the exceptional in every way.

“When creating and designing a hotel and restaurant, lighting is a key part of the ingredients.” says Michael. “Not only do you need to think about the practicality and its uses when it comes to the bedrooms, and the zoning of those rooms, but also how you set the ambiance of the restaurant too. At Lympstone Manor, we needed to create a cosy and comfortable environment for guests when dining, but also light appropriately so that they can read menus and also have the right atmosphere and mood.”

The beautiful hotel features 3 restaurants and 21 guestrooms boasting panoramic views of the Exe estuary and surrounding Devonshire hills. We spoke to Meraki’s designer Maria about transforming Michael’s vision into a reality, and ways in which you can bring a touch of hotel glamour into your own home.

Spring cleaning is not just about taking out a mop and duster. At a time of year where our outside spaces are changing and growing is also an opportunity for our interiors to blossom too. Rather fitting for the season, pink and green are two big colours that make an impact alone or paired. They can be used in their softer pastel forms, or pack a punch with darker tones.

When it comes to houses, first impressions do matter! A deep green shade like this one pops against white for a clean cut, sophisticated look that is still playful. Painting your front door for Spring will lift up the entrance to your home, and lets be honest, who doesn’t want to be proud of the space they’re stepping in and out of every day? Combining a new colour with matching quality door furniture like our Matt Black range will instantly transform the exterior of your home. Add some fresh foliage of your choosing and you’re set for the sunny season ahead.

Our Holborn’s are suspended effortlessly in this modern pastel kitchen. We love seeing what our classic designs bring to more contemporary spaces. Blush pink is a delicate update for a space that is normally reserved for black or white. House plants add a touch of green for a natural feel.